Why is Egyptian cotton so fantastic? First, the very long fibers that the Egyptian cotton plant produces allows for a much more delicate thread to be spun, and a delicate thread means more threads per inch can be woven. Second, Egyptian cotton mellows with age, turning sheets and sleepwear even softer and more inviting as they're washed and used.

Look for specifically labeled Egyptian cotton (yes, there's a brand mark), high thread counts (200 and up) and labels stating 100% cotton. Read the fabric care labels and follow washing instructions to the letter. Proper fabric care is critical but the dividends in softness and comfort can last for years.